FORT MEADE, Md. — Army Counterintelligence Command unveiled a redesigned badge for its special agents at a ceremony at Fort Meade’s McGill Training Center, issuing the updated badge and credentials to a group of Soldiers, Civilians, and retirees.
The new badge, featuring the inscription “Army Counterintelligence Special Agent” in blue enamel, is intended to clearly identify qualified personnel and reinforce the vital role counterintelligence agents play in protecting the Army, officials said.
“To earn an Army counterintelligence badge is not just an honor – it is a responsibility,” said Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, the commanding general of Army Counterintelligence Command. “By carrying this badge every day, our agents stand out as standard bearers, inspiring those around them to rise to meet the highest standards.”
The ceremony recognized the over 2,800 badge-and-credential-carrying special agents across the Army. Badges and credentials, often called “Bs and Cs,” were individually inspected by Cox and Michael Wright, director of ACIC’s Office of Professional Responsibility. Wright’s office ensures the integrity of the CI force through oversight, investigations, professionalization of the force, and adherence to legal and ethical standards.
The new badges were issued to personnel from various Army units, including the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Army for Intelligence, ACIC directorates, regional commands, and the 752nd Military Intelligence Battalion. The first badges were awarded to a warrant officer, a noncommissioned officer, an enlisted Soldier, and a Civilian, highlighting a commitment to developing future CI professionals.
Honorary badges were also presented to Army Senior Leaders who have supported the Army CI enterprise, including Diane Randon, assistant deputy chief of staff for intelligence; Maj. Gen. Timothy D. Brown, commanding general of Army Intelligence and Security Command; Dean Newman, director of counterintelligence within Army G2; and recently retired agent Michael Mans.
“To the new badge and credential recipients, and all those Army counterintelligence badge holders, past and present: your dedication and service have been nothing short of exemplary,” said Cox. “You have met challenges with resilience, solved complex problems with ingenuity, and safeguarded our nation through your steadfast vigilance.”
The Army counterintelligence badge has evolved through five iterations since its origins in World War I with the Corps of Intelligence Police badge in 1917. In 1942, the Counter Intelligence Corps adopted a new badge featuring an eagle atop a shield – a design the badge has retained ever since. The next version, used from 1967-2011 and known as the “MI Badge,” lacked anti-counterfeiting measures and was reportedly being replicated overseas. It also identified agents as “military intelligence” rather than “counterintelligence” and was smaller in size.
A change to Army Regulation 381-20 in 2022 prompted the latest redesign.
Agents carry their credentials with them, wearing the badge either on a clip beside their weapon or on a chain around their neck. The Army Intelligence Badge & Credentials Program, based at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, oversees the program Army-wide.
Social Sharing